Why we’re no longer naming suspects in minor crime stories
AP will no longer name suspects in minor crime stories, which we sometimes cover and pick up from member news organizations as one-off briefs because they are "odd" and of interest to our customers.
How and when we report on suicides
AP policy on reporting suicides, spelled out in the AP Stylebook, is “to not go into detail on the methods used.” There has been a robust discussion in our newsrooms about what this means -- how far do we go in discussing methods of suicide by celebrities? Are we depriving readers of essential information on a story if we are too opaque?
Is it sexual harassment or misconduct?
With the raft of accusations of sexual misconduct by powerful men showing no signs of abating, here are some guidelines that may prove useful.
When and how to report on propaganda?
We are living in an era of sophisticated propaganda coming from many directions, including various extremist groups, advocacy organizations and governments.
Sometimes it is necessary to quote from the propaganda of organizations such as the Islamic State group, or from governments such as North Korea. Before we do so, we should ask some basic questions.
The ethics of AP’s fish slaves investigation
Should journalists just report what they know and leave law enforcement to take action later, or tip off police before their story is published? What if sources say it's fine to use their names and faces, but don't seem to fully understand the risks? How do reporters cover a freed slave’s reunion with his family, when the reporters’ work led to his freedom?
